blue vitriol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical / Technical / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “blue vitriol” mean?
A common name for the chemical compound copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), a bright blue crystalline solid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the chemical compound copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), a bright blue crystalline solid.
Historically used in dyeing, as a fungicide in agriculture, and in various industrial processes. Its vivid blue colour is a key identifying feature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes alchemy, early chemistry, or old-fashioned industrial/agricultural practices.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern general discourse in both regions. 'Copper sulphate' is the standard modern term.
Grammar
How to Use “blue vitriol” in a Sentence
The [noun] was treated with blue vitriol.Blue vitriol is used as a [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blue vitriol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The blue vitriol solution was prepared.
- An old blue vitriol stain marked the floor.
American English
- The blue-vitriol treatment was common.
- He used a blue vitriol mixture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
May appear in historical or chemistry texts discussing early nomenclature or alchemy.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Can be found in older agricultural manuals or historical industrial process descriptions. Modern technical writing uses 'copper sulphate'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue vitriol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue vitriol”
- Misspelling as 'blue vitrial' or 'blue vitriole'.
- Assuming it is a modern, commonly used term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, copper(II) sulphate is toxic if ingested and can be an irritant. It should be handled with care, using appropriate safety equipment.
You can buy copper sulphate, which is the same chemical, often from agricultural suppliers, hardware stores (as root killer), or chemical suppliers. It is rarely labelled as 'blue vitriol' today.
'Vitriol' comes from Latin 'vitreus' (glass), referring to the glassy appearance of these sulphate salts. 'Blue' specifies the copper compound.
Its primary modern uses are as a fungicide in agriculture (e.g., Bordeaux mixture), an algicide in water treatment, and in the preparation of other copper compounds.
A common name for the chemical compound copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), a bright blue crystalline solid.
Blue vitriol is usually historical / technical / archaic in register.
Blue vitriol: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈvɪtrɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblu ˈvɪtriəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old, blue glass VIAL (sounds like 'vitriol') containing bright blue crystals.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUBSTANCE IS ITS COLOUR + A CHEMICAL IS ITS HISTORICAL NAME.
Practice
Quiz
In which modern field is the term 'blue vitriol' most likely to be encountered?